15 Best Things to Do in Calgary This April

Play a game at a huge new pickleball and tennis facility, see a movie at a film festival, dress up for the Calgary Expo and more.

The Calgary Expo is back with events like the POW! Parade of Wonders, as seen here in 2019. Photo by David Kotsibie.

Celebrate the piano’s 325th birthday at the National Music Centre

When: Starting March 29

Did you know pianos have been around for 325 years? The National Music Centre celebrates that milestone with a new exhibit called Piano 325 that happens to launch on World Piano Day. Visit the exhibit to learn more about how the instrument has changed over the years, see rare pianos in person and catch piano performances on various dates in March, April and May.

Studio Bell, 850 4 St. S.E., 403-543-5115, studiobell.ca

 

Go shopping at a new home decor store

Do you need new kitchenware, a fresh couch or some nursery bedding sets? There are three new home decor stores in the city that can help spruce up your digs.

Read more: 3 New Home Decor Stores in Calgary

 

See a show at the Calgary Region One-Act Play Festival

When: April 3 to 5

This theatre festival by Pumphouse Theatre and the Alberta Drama Festival Association highlights one-act plays that range from 17 to 57 minutes in length. Local artists will perform in two or three productions every night of the festival. Adult tickets are $18.

2140 Pumphouse Ave. S.W., 403-263-0079, pumphousetheatre.ca

 

Play a game or two at a huge new pickleball and tennis facility

This month, grab your racquet and a friend, and head to the newly opened Mega Courts. This huge facility is home to 13 pickleball courts and four tennis courts available for drop-in play, clinics, events and more.

5160 68 Ave. S.E., 587-287-1590, megacourts.ca

 

See a movie made with celluloid film at the Artifact Small Format Film Festival

When: April 3 to 6

Ever been to a celluloid film festival? This month, catch a flick made with super 8 and 16mm film at the 30th anniversary of the Artifact Small Format Film Festival. Along with several film screenings, expect director and filmmaker Q&As, an introductory workshop about black and white 16mm film, and a festival afterparty.

Multiple locations, , artifactfilmfestival.com

 

Go to a massive model train show

When: April 5 and 6

Whether you collect model trains or just appreciate the art form, you don’t want to miss the huge model train show coming to Calgary this month. Held by The Calgary Model Railway Society at the Olympic Oval, Supertrain features dozens of exhibitors, model railroad layouts, live demonstrations and more.

Olympic Oval, 288 Collegiate Blvd. N.W., supertrain.ca

 

Visit Banquet, a new food-themed exhibit at Telus Spark

When: April 12 to September 2

Telus Spark’s latest exhibition is all about the wonders of food. Banquet explores the culture and science behind this delicious topic through the lens of our five senses. Access to the exhibit is included with general admission and memberships.

220 St. George’s Dr. N.E., 403-817-6800, sparkscience.ca

 

Learn about farm animals and agriculture at Aggie Days

When: April 12 and 13

The Calgary Stampede’s Aggie Days is a free event that invites guests to learn more about agriculture and farming, see farm animals up close and check out events like a stock dog competition and extreme cowboy racing. This year marks the 40th anniversary of Aggie Days, so head to the Nutrien Western Event Centre’s Rotunda for free cake and other celebrations on both days between 1 to 2 p.m.

Nutrien Western Event Centre, Stampede Park, ag.calgarystampede.com

 

Visit the zebras and check out new and updated features at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo

African grey-crowned cranes, Hartmann’s mountain zebras, ostriches — these are some of the animals you’ll see in the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo’s new and refreshed spaces. The zoo has officially launched Savannah Crossing, a new building where you can view animals in a courtyard and inside, and the Savannah Plains, a refreshed outdoor habitat. Check them both out on your next visit with family or friends.

210 St. George’s Dr. N.E., 403-232-9300, calgaryzoo.com

 

Learn about chimpanzees with Dr. Jane Goodall

When: April 16

Conservationist and ethologist Dr. Jane Goodall is coming to Calgary to talk all things chimpanzees. Known around the world as an expert on the subject, Goodall will dive into her years of studies and experiences during a presentation, moderated discussion and Q&A.

Jack Singer Concert Hall, 225 8 Ave. S.E., artscommons.ca

 

See some movies during the Calgary Underground Film Festival

When: April 17 to 27

Now in its 22nd year, the Calgary Underground Film Festival is back with a full lineup of films and events that showcase some of the best international independent films out there. Check out the film lineup and festival events online.

calgaryundergroundfilm.org

 

Cheer on Calgary’s professional soccer team at its first home game of the season

When: April 18

The Cavalry FC soccer team is back this month, and you can catch the team’s first home game of the season at Spruce Meadows on April 18. Grab some snacks from the concession area and cheer on the team as it takes on Vancouver FC on ATCO Field.

Atco Field, Spruce Meadows, 18011 Spruce Meadows Way S.W., cavalryfc.canpl.ca

 

Dress like your favourite character for the Calgary Expo

Photo courtesy of Calgary Expo.

When: April 24 to 27

Michael J. Fox, John Boyega, Alicia Silverstone, Amir Talai, Frank Miller — these are just a few of the celebrities, voice actors, anime guests, gaming stars or comic creators you can see at this year’s Calgary Expo. The comic and entertainment expo promises an exciting mix of panels, retailers, workshops and events like the free Pow! Parade of Wonders (which has a new route this year) bringing together cosplayers and fans alike.

Stampede Park, fanexpohq.com

 

Grab a coffee at the newly opened Semantics Cafe

Semantics Cafe is the Beltline’s newest coffee destination. Pop in to grab coffee, tea and pastries in the bright space, which will also host events. Peruse a selection of vinyl records and books while you sip on your drink.

1010 1 St. S.E., 587-324-8544, semanticscafe.com

 

Try samples from Bragg Creek restaurants at Taste of Bragg Creek

When: April 25

On April 25, venture out to Bragg Creek to learn more about what the Alberta hamlet’s food scene has to offer at this evening event. Taste of Bragg Creek is your chance to sample goodies from local restaurants and liquor businesses with tasting tickets. Part of the ticket proceeds go to the Bragg Creek Foundation this year.

Bragg Creek hamlet area, tasteofbraggcreek.ca

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